The Concerns About Fracking
As a result of being relatively inexpensive to produce, natural gas production, primarily due to fracking has gone up by 40% around the world, and not just in the United States either. As David Hayward, the author of; Fracking Safer and Greener? illustrates however, it is not without serious ramifications. "However a major drawback to shale gas is that the hydraulic fracturing or 'fracking' technology used in its production is regarded as a serious potential threat to the environment and to human health."(Heyward, Fracking Safer and Greener, Oil and gas TCE) As the map on the left illustatres, their have been widespread fracking, and pollution accidents all across the United States, but especially in the Marcellous Shale reigon of the northeastern United States.
Mr. Heyward also talks about the fact that the Marcellus Shale reigon lies beneath one of the most densely populated areas in the United States and the controversy, and protests that have ensued as a result of fracking. The author also mentions that fracking has already been banned in a number of countries in europe, and as a result, regulation both at the company level, and the government level, are vital to both protecting the residents who live near reserves, and also vital to helping the US gain our energy independence. "If shale gas is to realize its potential as a source of energy, hydraulic fracturing, which with horizontal drilling is used to create fissures in very tight shale rock to extract natural gas, will have to be made safer. Or environmentally-safer alternatives will have to be developed and widely commercialized."(Heyward, Fracking Safer and Greener, Oil and gas TCE) The author does mention however, that becuase places like the United States and Europe, have stronger regulations, that safer methods for extractions, as well as tougher laws are more likey to generate here or in Europe first, rather than place like China, and Russia.
Mr. Heyward also talks about the fact that the Marcellus Shale reigon lies beneath one of the most densely populated areas in the United States and the controversy, and protests that have ensued as a result of fracking. The author also mentions that fracking has already been banned in a number of countries in europe, and as a result, regulation both at the company level, and the government level, are vital to both protecting the residents who live near reserves, and also vital to helping the US gain our energy independence. "If shale gas is to realize its potential as a source of energy, hydraulic fracturing, which with horizontal drilling is used to create fissures in very tight shale rock to extract natural gas, will have to be made safer. Or environmentally-safer alternatives will have to be developed and widely commercialized."(Heyward, Fracking Safer and Greener, Oil and gas TCE) The author does mention however, that becuase places like the United States and Europe, have stronger regulations, that safer methods for extractions, as well as tougher laws are more likey to generate here or in Europe first, rather than place like China, and Russia.
My word count: 316
Image source:
"Daily
Kos." : Natural Gas, How Clean Is It? A Bad News, More Bad News Story.
N.p., 01 May 2011. Web. 29 Nov. 2012. http://www.dailykos.com/story/2011/05/01/971892/-Natural-Gas-How-Clean-is-it-A-Bad-News-more-Bad-News-Story
Disclaimer: Parts of the website are fictional and were made for a class. Please email my instructor with questions. scheney[at]collin[dot]edu.]